Whether you’re planning to use medical pain relief in labour or, or even if you’re preparing for a planned cesarean birth, most people will experience some of the contractions of labour. For partners, it can be a little overwhelming to see the person you love experience discomfort, so here is a short list of things your partner can do for you when you go into labour. Most people will instinctively find ways to help them cope with labour. These strategies/rituals often emerge spontaneously and may involve rhythmical breathing, swaying, and even vocalizations as labour progress. Partners and labour support are also an essential part of the comfort experience. Here are some of the ways partners can help:

Psychological Support

• Encourage/lead imagery (read a script, play a meditation etc)

• Role modeling, breathing, etc.

• Use eye contact and soothing words

• Reassurance, encouragement, praise, empowering statements (“You can/are doing this”, “I am so proud of you”, “You’re doing great!”)

• Take charge when/if your partner becomes agitated, discouraged, unfocussed

• Lead relaxation exercises

• Share words of love and admiration

• Recite birth affirmations

• Play music (We love to suggest spa music that you can tune in/tune out your attention or focus)

Physical Support

• Hand, foot, back massage

• Offer water/juice and teas to sip and foods to snack on

• Remind your partner to go for a pee break once/hour

• Cold packs (Great for back pain! Make sure there is a barrier between the cold item and skin)

• Hot compresses (microwaved rice bags, warm blankets etc. Avoid if an epidural is in place)

• Acupressure

• Reassuring touch: holding patting, stroking

• Suggestion for position changes (every 30 minutes or so!)

• Hydro/aquatherapy: shower or tub

• Double hip squeeze

• Slow Dance

• Cool cloth on face

• Support in different/changing positions

• Pressure on low back

• Walking

The reality is you will likely use a variety of techniques throughout labour to help increase comfort. We highly recommend enrolling in a prenatal class to find out all about the typical stages and phases of labour and how to cope with each one. A good, evidence based prenatal class can help increase your confidence and reduce any fear around the unknowns of labour and birth. Our friends at Discover Birth offer evidence based, hands on classes both in person and virtually (LIVE with an instructor). All of their educators are certified childbirth educators. Our very own Fitmama Strong Durham owner, Jennifer Rogers, is a Certified Lamaze Childbirth Educator that works on the Discover Birth Team!

Now that you’ve reviewed these strategies, which ones do you think you’ll be most likely to use during your labour and delivery?

Interested in joining us? Our classes are a great way to meet other new parents. Fitmama Strong Online has been operating classes online from our virtual studio since 2020. Our community is a thriving and welcoming space for you and your littles.

We offer Prenatal Fitness classes, live from our virtual studio. Our series of Prenatal classes includes On-Demand Prenatal Yoga classes. Our 30 minute live, online Express classes our our On-Demand library of pre-recorded workouts are a favourite for busy mamas who enjoy consistency in their workout regime.

If you’re new to Fitmama Strong Online, try one of our 3 Class Passes! You can use them at our postnatal Express Strong and Express Elevate classes. It doesn’t matter if your baby was born 6 weeks ago or 6 years ago, we have something for all postnatal members! Already been to Fitmama Strong classes? Grab a monthly membership and keep moving:)

Finally, we offer in-person Stroller Fitness and Babywearing Fitness through our Durham Region and Ottawa locations. We can’t wait to have you join us!

We can’t wait for you to #startwithus and #growwithus. Find your Fitmama Strong Location!